U.S. patent number 6,390,529 [Application Number 09/516,831] was granted by the patent office on 2002-05-21 for safety release for a trunk of a vehicle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Donnelly Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam.
United States Patent |
6,390,529 |
Bingle , et al. |
May 21, 2002 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Safety release for a trunk of a vehicle
Abstract
A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a
vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or
compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the
trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The
safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release
mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release
assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least
occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a
control for activating the assist device or the illumination source
in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such
as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within
the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature
is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle
is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment,
such that movement of the handle results in activation of the
release mechanism and thus opening of the lid. The assist device is
operable to activate the handle or the release mechanism to ease
the opening of the trunk or to automatically open the trunk in
response to the control, and may be electrically powered,
mechanically powered or gas powered. The control is operable to
activate the illumination source for a period of time following
occurrence of at least one activating event, and subsequently to
deactivate the illumination source upon completion of that time
period. The handle of the present invention is designed for easy
visibility in minimal lighting conditions and easy recognition even
by a young child who may become trapped within the trunk space of
the vehicle. This allows easy recognition and activation of the
handle and release mechanism of the lid of the vehicle compartment
in order to escape from within a trunk space.
Inventors: |
Bingle; Robert L. (Holland,
MI), Koops; Roger L. (Hamilton, MI), Lynam; Niall R.
(Holland, MI) |
Assignee: |
Donnelly Corporation (Holland,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
26957479 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/516,831 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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484754 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
|
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275565 |
Mar 24, 1999 |
6086131 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/76;
292/336.3; 292/DIG.43; 362/276; 362/464; 362/496; 362/501 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
83/26 (20130101); E05B 85/12 (20130101); E05B
81/64 (20130101); E05B 79/20 (20130101); B60Q
3/30 (20170201); E05B 17/10 (20130101); Y10S
292/43 (20130101); Y10T 292/57 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
3/06 (20060101); B60Q 3/00 (20060101); E05B
65/12 (20060101); E05B 65/20 (20060101); E05B
65/19 (20060101); E05B 45/06 (20060101); E05B
17/22 (20060101); E05B 17/10 (20060101); E05B
17/00 (20060101); E05B 53/00 (20060101); E05B
45/00 (20060101); B62D 025/10 (); E05B 003/00 ();
B60Q 003/06 (); F21S 010/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;296/76
;362/488,496,501,540,276,802,464,155 ;292/347,336.3,DIG.43,DIG.29
;49/503 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2636099 |
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Feb 1978 |
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DE |
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3732936 |
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Sep 1987 |
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DE |
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9006007 |
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Jun 1991 |
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DE |
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0235372 |
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Nov 1986 |
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EP |
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2252438 |
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Aug 1992 |
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GB |
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2266799 |
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Nov 1993 |
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GB |
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58188458 |
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Dec 1983 |
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JP |
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WO9813235 |
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Apr 1998 |
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WO |
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WO9904119 |
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Jan 1999 |
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WO |
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Other References
http://www.rctritec.com/t_gtls.html Tritum Gasfilled Lightsources
(GTLS)--RC TRITEC AG, Tritium Technology.* .
http://www.rctritec.com/t_gtls.html Tritium Gasfilled Lightsources
(GTLS)--RC TRITEC AG, Tritum Technology, Jan. 2001.* .
Prosecution File for Reissue Application 09/344,384, filed Jun. 24,
1999, for Reissue of U.S. Pat. 5,859,479 already of record.* .
Commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. Patent application, Ser. No.
09/484,754 filed Jan. 18, 2000 by McCarthy et al. .
Commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. Patent application, Ser. No.
09/605,233 filed Jun. 28, 2000 by Bingle et al. .
"Kit 62 Movement Detector Components", Sep. 24, 1994 p. 1-5. .
Commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. Patent application, Ser. No.
09/648,560 filed Aug. 24, 2000 by Bingle et al. .
Securaplane Technologies Product Information (No Date)..
|
Primary Examiner: Pape; Joseph D.
Assistant Examiner: Gutman; Hilary
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn &
Burkhart, LLP
Parent Case Text
The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/275,565, filed Mar. 24, 1999
for SAFETY HANDLE FOR TRUNK OF VEHICLE by Robert L. Bingle and
Roger L. Koops, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,131, and a
continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/484,754, filed Jan. 18, 2000 for COMPARTMENT SENSING SYSTEM by
McCarthy et al., which are both hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety herein.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property
right or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release system being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release system being adapted for operation from the interior
of the compartment and comprising:
a handle for activating the release mechanism for opening the deck
lid, said handle having an attachment for interconnection with the
release mechanism;
a release actuating device which is adapted for interconnection
with one of said handle and the release mechanism;
an occupant detection system for detecting an occupant of the
compartment;
a control which is operable to activate said release actuating
device in response to at least one of said handle and said occupant
detection system; and
a housing adapted to be positioned on an interior surface of the
compartment, said handle being recessed within said housing,
wherein said release actuating device, said occupant detection
system and said control are all positioned within said housing,
said release system comprising a substantially contained release
module which is connectable to the release mechanism of the
compartment.
2. The release system of claim 1, wherein said actuating device is
operable to increase the mechanical advantage of said handle such
that a lesser force is required on said handle to activate the
release mechanism.
3. The release system of claim 1, wherein said handle is operable
to activate the release mechanism independent of said actuating
device.
4. The release system of claim 1, wherein said occupant detection
system comprises at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature
sensor.
5. The release system of claim 1, wherein said actuating device
comprises one of a solenoid and a muscle wire, said actuating
device being connectable to the release mechanism via a mechanical
linkage.
6. The release system of claim 1, wherein said actuating device is
operable to activate the release mechanism in response to a release
actuator positioned at a cabin of the vehicle.
7. The release system of claim 1 further comprising at least one
illumination source for providing illumination of said handle.
8. The release system of claim 7, wherein said at least one
illumination source is within said handle and provides direct
illumination of said handle.
9. The release system of claim 7, wherein said at least one
illumination source is positioned remotely from said handle and
provides indirect illumination of said handle.
10. The release system of claim 7, wherein said at least one
illumination source comprises a self-luminous light source.
11. The release system of claim 10, wherein said self-luminous
light source comprises at least one Tritium capsule.
12. The release system of claim 10, wherein said at least one
self-luminous light source is positioned along said handle.
13. The release system of claim 12, wherein said at least one
illumination source comprises a back lit icon, said self luminous
light source being positioned at least partially within said
handle, said back lit icon being positioned along a surface of said
handle and being illuminated by said self luminous light
source.
14. The release system of claim 7, wherein said control is operable
to activate said illumination source in response to at least one of
an initial detection of an occupant by said occupant detection
system, a closing of the deck lid, a closing of a door of the
vehicle and an activation of an ignition of the vehicle.
15. The release system of claim 14, wherein said control is
operable to deactivate said at least one illumination source a
predetermined amount of time following activation of said
illumination source.
16. The release system of claim 1, wherein said handle at least
partially provides a mechanical advantage which requires less than
or equal to about 20 Newtons applied thereto in order to activate
the release mechanism of the compartment.
17. The release system of claim 16, wherein said release actuating
device is operable to reduce the required force applied to said
handle in order to activate the release mechanism.
18. The release system of claim 1, wherein said handle and the
release mechanism are interconnected by a release cable, said
handle being operable to pull at an end of the release cable via a
lever arm.
19. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release system being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release system being adapted for operation from the interior
of the compartment and comprising:
a handle for activating the release mechanism for opening the deck
lid, said handle having an attachment for interconnection with the
release mechanism;
a release actuating device which is adapted for interconnection
with one of said handle and the release mechanism;
an occupant detection system for detecting an occupant of the
compartment; and
a control which is operable to activate said release actuating
device in response to at least one of said handle and said occupant
detection system, said handle and the release mechanism being
interconnected by a release cable, said handle being operable to
pull at an end of the release cable via a lever arm, wherein said
actuating device is engagable with said lever arm and is operable
to pivot said lever arm independent of operation of said handle to
activate the release mechanism in response to said occupant
detection system.
20. The release system of claim 19 further comprising an
illumination source.
21. The release system of claim 20, wherein said illumination
source comprises a self-luminous light source.
22. The release system of claim 21, wherein said self-luminous
light source comprises at least one Tritium gas capsule.
23. The release system of claim 21, wherein said self luminous
light source is operable to provide light having an intensity of at
least approximately 5,000 micro-lamberts.
24. The release system of claim 19, wherein said actuating device
is engagable with said lever arm and is operable to reduce the
force required on said handle to open the compartment in response
to movement of said handle.
25. The release system of claim 19, wherein said occupant detection
system comprises at least one of a motion sensor and a
pyrodetector.
26. The release system of claim 19, further comprising an
illumination source.
27. The release system of claim 26, wherein said illumination
source comprises a self-luminous light source.
28. A release module adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release module being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release module adapted for operation from the interior of the
compartment and comprising:
an actuating device for activating the release mechanism for
opening the deck lid, said actuating device being adapted for
interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment;
an occupant detection system for detecting a presence of an
occupant within the compartment;
a manual input device for actuating the release mechanism from
within the compartment;
a control which is operable to actuate said actuating device in
response to at least one of said occupant detection system and said
manual input device; and
a housing, said occupant detection system, said actuating device,
said control and said manual input device being at least partially
contained within said housing.
29. The release module of claim said manual input device comprises
one of a touch panel and a soft touch handle, said occupant
detection system being actuatable in response to one of capacitive,
resistive, and inductive actuation.
30. The release module of claim 21 further comprising at least one
illumination source, said control being operable to at least
occasionally activate said at least one illumination source to
provide illumination of said manual input device.
31. The release module of claim 30, wherein said control is
operable to at least temporarily activate said at least one
illumination source in response to said occupant detection
system.
32. The release module of claim 31, wherein said control is
operable to deactivate said at least one illumination source a
period of time following activation of said at least one
illumination source.
33. The release module of claim 30, wherein said at least one
illumination source is positioned at said manual input device.
34. The release module of claim 33, wherein said at least one
illumination source comprises a back lit icon and a light source,
said light source being positioned at least partially within said
manual input device and said back lit icon being positioned along a
surface of said manual input device and being illuminated by said
light source when said light source is activated.
35. The release module of claim 30, wherein said control is
operable to at least temporarily activate said at least one
illumination source in response to at least one of an ignition of
the vehicle being activated, an opening of at least one door of the
vehicle and a closing of said at least one door of the vehicle.
36. The release module of claim 28, wherein said manual input
device comprises at least one of a handle, a button, a microphone
system, and a touch panel.
37. The release module of claim 28, wherein said manual input
device comprises a handle, said handle and said actuating device
being connectable to the release mechanism via at least one
mechanical linkage.
38. The release module of claim 37, wherein said actuating device
is operable to activate the release mechanism independent of said
handle.
39. A release module adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release module being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release module adapted for operation from the interior of the
compartment and comprising:
an actuating device for activating the release mechanism for
opening the deck lid, said actuating device being adapted for
interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment;
an occupant detection system for detecting a presence of an
occupant within the a compartment;
a manual input device for actuating the release mechanism from
within the compartment, said manual input device comprising a
handle, said handle and said actuating device being connectable to
the release mechanism via at least one mechanical linkage; and
a control which is operable to actuate said actuating device in
response to at least one of said occupant detection system and said
manual input device, wherein said handle is operable to activate
the release mechanism independent of said actuating device.
40. The release module of claim 39, wherein said occupant detection
system comprises at least one of a motion detector and a
temperature sensor.
41. The release module of claim 39 further comprising at least one
illumination source which is at least occasionally activated to
provide illumination of said manual input device.
42. The release module of claim 41, wherein said control is
operable to activate said at least one illumination source.
43. The release module of claim 39, wherein said actuating device
comprises an electrically operable actuating device which is
connectable to the release mechanism.
44. The release module of claim 43, wherein said electrically
operable actuating device comprises a solenoid.
45. The release module of claim 39, wherein said actuating device
comprises a gas operable actuating device which is connectable to
the release mechanism.
46. The release module of claim 45, wherein said gas operable
actuating device comprises a piston in communication with a
compressed gas source.
47. The release module of claim 39, wherein said actuating device
comprises a mechanically operable actuating device which is
connectable to the release mechanism.
48. The release module of claim 47, wherein said mechanically
operable actuating device comprises a compressed spring member.
49. The release module of claim 39, wherein said actuating device
is operable to increase the mechanical advantage of said handle
such that a lesser force is required on said handle to activate the
release mechanism.
50. The release module of claim 39, wherein said manual input
device is operable to activate the release mechanism independent of
said actuating device.
51. A release module adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release module being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release module adapted for operation from the interior of the
compartment and comprising:
an actuating device for activating the release mechanism for
opening the deck lid, said actuating device being adapted for
interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment;
an occupant detection system for detecting a presence of an
occupant within the compartment;
a manual input device for actuating the release mechanism from
within the compartment;
a control which is operable to actuate said actuating device in
response to at least one of said occupant detection system and said
manual input device; and
at least one illumination source which is at least occasionally
activated to provide illumination of said manual input device,
wherein said control is operable to activate said at least one
illumination source in response to said occupant detection
system.
52. The release module of claim 51, wherein said at least one
illumination source comprises at least one self luminous light
source.
53. The release module of claim 52, wherein said at least one
self-luminous light source comprises at least one Tritium gas
capsule.
54. The release module of claim 52, wherein said at least one
self-luminous light source is mounted along said handle.
55. The release module of claim 51, wherein said manual input
device comprises at least one of a handle, a button, a touch pad
and a voice receiver.
56. The release module of claim 51, wherein said manual input
device comprises one of a touch panel and a soft touch handle, said
occupant detection system being actuatable in response to one of
capacitive, resistive, and inductive actuation.
57. The release module of claim 51, wherein said occupant detection
system comprises at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature
sensor.
58. The release module of claim 51, wherein said assist device
comprises one of a solenoid and a muscle wire, said assist device
being connectable to the release mechanism via a mechanical
linkage.
59. The release module of claim 51, wherein said control is
operable to deactivate said at least one illumination source a
period of time following activation of said at least one
illumination source.
60. The release module of claim 51, wherein said control is
operable to activate at least one of an alarm, a lock release, a
horn and at least one auxiliary illumination source on the vehicle
in response to an occupant detection.
61. A release module adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release module being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release module adapted for operation from the interior of the
compartment and comprising:
an actuating device for activating the release mechanism for
opening the deck lid, said actuating device being adapted for
interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment;
an occupant detection system for detecting a presence of an
occupant within the compartment;
a manual input device for actuating the release mechanism from
within the compartment, said manual input device comprising a
handle;
a control which is operable to actuate said actuating device in
response to at least one of said occupant detection system and said
manual input device; and
at least one self luminous light source which is at least
occasionally activated to provide illumination of said manual input
device, said at least one self-luminous light source being mounted
along said handle, wherein said handle further comprises a back lit
cover plate along a surface thereof, said at least one self
luminous light source being mounted within said handle such that
said back lit cover plate substantially encases said at least one
self luminous light source and is illuminated by said at least one
self luminous light source.
62. The release module of claim 61, wherein said self luminous
light source comprises at least one Tritium gas capsule.
63. The release module of claim 61, wherein said self luminous
light source is operable to provide light having an intensity of at
least approximately 5,000 micro-lamberts.
64. A release module adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a
vehicle, said release module being positionable within a
compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the
compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid,
said release module adapted for operation from the interior of the
compartment and comprising:
an actuating device for activating the release mechanism for
opening the deck lid, said actuating device being adapted for
interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment;
an occupant detection system for detecting a presence of an
occupant within the compartment;
a manual input device for actuating the release mechanism from
within the compartment;
a control which is operable to actuate said actuating device in
response to at least one of said occupant detection system and said
manual input device; and
at least one of an illumination source and an audio device, said
control being operable to activate at least one of said
illumination source and said audio device in response to an initial
detection of an occupant by said occupant detection system.
65. The release module of claim 64, wherein said control is
operable to activate at least one of an alarm, clock release, a
horn and at least one auxiliary illumination source on the vehicle
in response to said occupant detection system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a mechanism for opening a door
to a compartment and, more particularly, to a mechanism for opening
a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the space enclosed by the deck
lid.
Typically, the deck lid or door to a trunk space is opened by a key
being inserted and turned in a lock cylinder from a position
exteriorly of the deck lid or by a button or lever that is
positioned within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. While
it has been suggested that a handle be placed in the interior of
the trunk space, because of numerous difficulties, to date, vehicle
manufacturers have not included a device specifically for opening
the trunk from the inside of the trunk space. Even fold down rear
seats, which are common in many vehicles today, cannot be folded
down from within the trunk space. Although placement of a release
mechanism in the trunk space has been suggested in the prior art,
no commercially acceptable mechanism or device has been developed.
Therefore, if a person is within the trunk space when the deck lid
is closed, there is no way for a person to open the deck lid and
get out of the trunk.
When the deck lid is closed, the space within the trunk is
typically small and very dark. Although a light source is typically
provided in a trunk to provide light to the trunk space when the
trunk space is open, these lights are deactivated when the trunk is
closed, in order to prevent excessive drain on the battery of the
vehicle. Therefore, when a person is trapped within a trunk, it is
nearly impossible to see anything within the trunk, such that even
if a release mechanism were operable within the trunk, a person
would not be able to find the mechanism after the deck lid had been
closed. Furthermore, due to the cramped and tight space within a
trunk, a person's movements to reach and operate a release
mechanism are extremely restricted.
This inability to open a trunk of a vehicle from inside the trunk
space has unfortunately led to many injuries and even deaths over
the years. When the deck lid is closed, the interior space of the
trunk may reach extreme temperatures during the summer time, such
that a person can only survive therein for a short period of time.
Typically, these injuries and deaths occur to children, who enter
the trunk to either play or hide and then trap themselves within
the trunk by closing the deck lid.
Because a person trapped within the trunk of the vehicle may be a
small child, the person's abilities to respond to a release
mechanism within the trunk may be limited. Even if a handle, button
or the like is visible to a child, the child may be too afraid to
even attempt to use the device or may be too weak to activate the
release mechanism. Because there is no way to detect the child
within the trunk, the child may remain trapped therein until the
trunk is opened from the outside.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an interior trunk release
mechanism which is highly visible under minimal lighting conditions
such as when the deck lid of the trunk is closed. Furthermore, the
release mechanism should be easily recognizable and operable even
by children, and should avoid damage or deterioration of existing
vehicle systems, such as the battery or electrical system, while
remaining operable even when the vehicle is shut off. In the event
that an occupant in the trunk may be a small child, the release
mechanism preferably should be operable to automatically detect the
presence of a person within the trunk and to automatically assist
the person in opening the trunk in response to such detection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is intended to provide a mechanical apparatus
for activating a release mechanism for a deck lid of a trunk of a
vehicle from within the interior space of the trunk.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a release
system is adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle and is
positionable within a compartment substantially enclosed by the
deck lid. The release system comprises an electrically operable
actuating device which is connectable to the release mechanism and
at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector,
said actuating device being operable to at least partially actuate
the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to a user
input to said manual input device or a detection of an occupant
within the compartment by said occupant detector. Preferably, the
release system comprises a self contained release module which is
connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and
electrically connected to a power source, such as a vehicle battery
or the like.
Preferably, the occupant detector comprises a temperature sensor
and/or motion sensor and determines the presence of a person or
animal within the trunk in response to detection of motion or a
predetermined temperature. Preferably, the manual input device
comprises a handle and may further comprise a handle sensor at the
handle which is operable to detect movement of the handle and/or
touching of the handle. The handle may comprise a bright color and
be in contrast to a dark background upon which it is installed.
Preferably, the color is selected to convey a safe and friendly
image to a child, such as a yellow or bright green color.
The assist device is operable to ease manual operation of the
handle as the handle is moved to activate the release mechanism.
The assist device may also be operable independent of any manual
movement of the handle, while the handle may be operable
independent of the assist device, in case power is disconnected
from the assist device. Preferably, the assist device comprises an
electrically operated solenoid, a gas-operated piston, or a
compressed spring which is connected to the handle or to a lever or
extension connected to the handle.
In one form, the release system may further comprise an
illumination source. Preferably, the illumination source comprises
a self-luminous light, such as a Tritium gas capsule, and/or may
comprise a non-incandescent light, such as a light emitting diode
or any other illumination source. The illumination source is
operable to provide either direct or indirect illumination to the
handle of the present invention. The illumination source may be
temporarily activated upon closure of the deck lid and may be
further activated upon an activating event, such as movement of the
handle or detection of a person or animal within the trunk space by
the occupant detector.
In another form, the release system includes a control, which is
operable to activate the actuating device in response to said
manual input device and/or said occupant detector. The control may
be further operable to activate and deactivate the illumination
source in response to one or more activating events, and may
provide an audio signal to an occupant in response to detection of
the occupant.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the release
system includes a handle, a release assist device, an occupant
detection system, an illumination source and a control circuit. The
handle is interconnected to a release mechanism of the compartment
and at least partially provides a mechanical advantage such that
the release mechanism may be activated upon exertion of less than
20 Newtons in a predetermined direction on the handle. The
illumination source provides illumination to the handle and is
activated by the control circuit upon an occurrence of an
activating event.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a release
system is adapted for use in opening a compartment of a vehicle and
is positionable within the compartment and substantially enclosed
by a lid. The lid is openable by an electrically controlled latch.
The release system is adapted to activate the latch in response to
an activation of the release system.
In one form, the release system includes an electromechanical
device which activates the latch when at least a portion of the
device is moved. Preferably, the electromechanical device is a
button and the activation is a pressing of the button.
In another form, a release system adapted for use in opening a deck
lid of a vehicle is provided, the release system being positionable
within a vehicle compartment (such as a trunk compartment) that is
at least partially closed by the deck lid, the compartment having a
release mechanism for opening the deck lid. The release system is
adapted for operation from the interior of the compartment and
includes an assist device. The assist device is connectable to the
release mechanism and comprises at least one of an electrically
operable actuating device, a mechanically operable actuating device
and a gas operable actuating device. The release system includes at
least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector. The
assist device is operable to actuate the release mechanism to open
the deck lid in response to either or both of a user input to the
manual input device or a detection of an occupant within the
compartment by the occupant detector. In one embodiment, the assist
device comprises a solenoid. In another embodiment, the assist
device comprises a gas operable actuating device, such as a piston
in communication with a compressed gas source, which is connectable
to the release mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the assist
device comprises a mechanically operable actuating device such as
compressed spring member.
Therefore, the present invention provides a trunk release system
which is easily recognizable and operable by a child, as children
are the ones typically harmed by being trapped in a trunk. The
release system is easy to activate and is preferably a bright
friendly color so as not to frighten or confuse a child who may be
trapped within the trunk. Preferably, the release system further
comprises an automatic assist device which is operable to
automatically assist a person to activate the trunk release in
response to a detection of a person within the trunk and/or an
attempt by the person to activate the release mechanism.
Furthermore, an illumination source is preferably provided to
increase the visibility of the release mechanism. The illumination
source should only be activated for a limited period of time in
order to prevent excessive drain on the battery of the vehicle.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this
invention will become apparent upon review of the following
specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deck lid of a vehicle
incorporating the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention prior
to it being installed in the vehicle;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the housing and handle of the
present invention;
FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line
IVa--IVa in FIG. 3;
FIG. 4b is an enlarged view of the area labeled IVb in FIG. 4a;
FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the present
invention; and
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an active/passive trunk release module
in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now specifically to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, there is shown in FIG. 1 a safety
release apparatus or assembly 10, which includes a handle 12 which
is interconnected to a release mechanism 14 for opening a deck lid
or trunk lid or door 16 of a trunk or storage compartment or space
18 of a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 may be a sedan, coupe or even a
hatchback or the like, which includes a trunk or storage
compartment or space 18 substantially enclosed by a deck lid or
door 16, such as a trunk or the like. Handle 12 of safety release
apparatus 10 is interconnected with release mechanism 14 of deck
lid 16 such that release mechanism 14 is activated, and deck lid 16
is subsequently opened, in response to a movement of handle 12.
Safety release apparatus 10 is mounted on an interior surface 16a
of either the deck lid 16 or elsewhere within trunk space 18, so as
to allow an operator of safety release apparatus 10 to open the
trunk from within trunk space 18. Most preferably, safety release
apparatus 10 is mounted on a downward extending portion or
waterfall 16b of deck lid 16, as shown in FIG. 1. However, clearly
safety release apparatus 10 may be mounted elsewhere within trunk
space 18 of vehicle 20, such as on a sidewall of the trunk space or
the like, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
Handle 12 of the present invention is preferably injection molded
from a resinous polymeric material such as polycarbonate/PBT or
polycarbonate/ABS or the like and includes a long handle portion
12a and a shaft portion 12b (FIGS. 4b and 5), which provides for a
pivot axis 22 of handle 12. However, handle 12 may alternatively be
a switch, push button or any other electromechanical device which
may be electronically interconnected to an electronic latch
mechanism, such that movement of at least a portion of the device
releases the release mechanism in order to open the trunk. It is
further envisioned that the handle may be any manual input device,
such as a button, switch, touch surface or even a voice activated
microphone system, such that the release mechanism is activated in
response to a person's voice being detected within trunk space 18,
as discussed below.
Preferably, handle 12 is designed and formed so as to be easily
recognizable as an opening device for a door or the like, and
further is formed with rounded edges along the handle portion 12a
so as to make it a comfortable handle for a child or other occupant
within the trunk to grasp and operate. Handle 12 may further
include text or a picture on a facing surface 12c to convey to an
operator of handle 12 that handle 12 is for opening the trunk.
Furthermore, the color of handle 12 is preferably selected to be a
"friendly" color for children, so that any small child which may
become trapped within trunk space 18 will not fear the handle as
being something that is hot or otherwise harmful to touch.
Preferably, the color selected is a bright green or yellow, which
has been shown to convey a bright yet "friendly" or cool to touch
appearance to the handle. It is important that the handle be child
friendly so that even the smallest and youngest children who may be
trapped within the trunk will not be afraid to operate the handle
12.
By providing a light color which does not convey an image of heat
or otherwise harmful material, the handle 12 of the present
invention is more likely to be grasped and operated by small
children than a handle which may otherwise be of a "harmful" color,
such as red or orange, which a child may believe is hot to touch.
In order to make handle 12 more visible in minimum lighting
conditions, handle 12 is also preferably mounted adjacent to a
background 24 that is of a substantially darker color than handle
12, so as to provide a stark contrast between the handle and its
background for better visibility of the handle in minimal lighting
conditions. The background 24 may be a surface of a housing 28 for
safety release assembly 10 or may be an interior surface of the
trunk space 18 or deck lid 16 itself.
Safety release apparatus 10 preferably is installed within a
housing 28, which is secured within trunk space 18 such that handle
12 is positioned within a recess 30 of housing 28. Housing 28 is
preferably injection molded from a resinous polymeric material such
as polycarbonate/PBT or polycarbonate/ABS or the like and may be
black or another dark color. Housing 28 functions to protect handle
12 from being bumped or damaged by items which may be stored within
trunk space 18 of vehicle 20. Not only does this prevent damage to
handle 12 or other components of safety release apparatus 10, but
housing 28 also substantially precludes the possibility of handle
12 being accidentally contacted and moved by the stored items so as
to prevent unintentional opening of trunk space 18.
As best shown in FIGS. 2-4a, housing 28 includes a substantially
flat and outward extending flange 32 along its rearward end and a
raised perimeter, front surface 33. Flange 32 allows for easy
installation of the present invention, as fasteners or adhesive or
the like may be inserted through or applied to flange 32 and then
secured to an interior surface of either deck lid 16 or other
interior surface of the trunk space 18 of the vehicle 20. Clearly,
the safety release apparatus 10 may be installed on a vehicle
during the assembly of the vehicle by the manufacturer, or may be
installed later as an after market unit, without affecting the
scope of the present invention.
Handle 12 is preferably positioned within recess 30 of housing 28
below or behind the plane of front surface 33 such that the handle
may pivot about its axis 22 within recess 30. Perimeter surface 33
helps protect handle 12 from stored items within trunk space or
compartment 18, and helps prevent accidental activation of handle
12. Recess 30 may also include at least one stop 30a, which limits
rotational travel of handle 12 within a predetermined range.
Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, handle 12 includes a
cylindrical bearing or barrel section 35 which has longitudinally
extending sections 35a separated by slots which are generally
parallel to the pivot axis 22 of handle 12. The slots allow the
longitudinally extending sections 35a to flex inward as shaft
portion 12b is inserted into opening 28a in housing 28. Barrel
section 35 may also include a plurality of resilient, angled flange
or tabs 35b formed at a free end 35c of longitudinally extending
sections 35a and extending radially outwardly therefrom. Tabs 35b
each have an inclined outer edge or surface 35d and a substantially
flat, planar edge 35e extending generally perpendicular to axis 22
when handle 12 is mounted in opening 28a. As shaft 12b is inserted
into opening 28a, the inclined surfaces 35d of tabs 35b engage the
opening 28a and cam the longitudinally extending sections 35a
inwardly and guide insertion of barrel section 35 through opening
28a. As tabs 35b protrude through opening 28a, flat edges 35e
engage an interior surface 28e of housing 28 adjacent opening 28a
so as to snap fit handle 12 into housing 28. This allows handle 12
to be easily rotated within opening 28a, yet substantially
precludes handle 12 from being pulled outward from opening 28a.
Additionally, a biasing member 34, such as a torsional spring or
the like (FIG. 5), may be provided about shaft portion 12b of
handle 12 in order to bias handle 12 in an initial position.
Biasing member 34 preferably is positioned around a lower end or
portion 37 of handle shaft portion 12b, such that one end 34a of
biasing member 34 engages a stop tab 34b on housing 28 and another
end 34c engages a slot 37a along lower portion 37 of shaft portion
12b. This substantially fixes both ends 34a and 34c of biasing
member 34 so that rotational movement of handle 12 about axis 22
winds the torsional spring, which then provides a rotational force
on shaft portion 12b to return handle 12 to its initial
position.
Preferably, handle 12 is interconnected to release mechanism 14 by
a lever 36 and a cable 38, as best shown in FIGS. 4a and 5. The
lever 36 is attached to lower portion 37 of shaft 12b, which
extends downward from handle 12a through barrel section 35 and is
of a lesser diameter than barrel section 35. Lower portion 37 is
substantially non-circular at its free end and includes slot 37a
extending longitudinally along its axis 22. Slot 37a allows lower
portion 37 to flex inward for attachment of lever 36 thereto and
further provides for the end 34c of biasing member 34, as discussed
above. An annular groove 37b may also be included around lower
portion 37 for securing lever 36 thereto.
As best shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, lever 36 is preferably a
substantially straight lever arm, which includes an opening 40 at a
center region 36a through which lower portion 37 of shaft 12b is
inserted, such that lever 36 is fixedly secured to shaft 12b of
handle 12. Lever 36 may include angled tabs 40a protruding inwardly
at opening 40 to engage a corresponding lip 37c along groove 37b of
shaft 12b, thereby snapping lever 36 onto lower portion 37 to
prevent lever 36 from being removed from shaft 12b. Tabs 40a of
lever 36 function similarly to tabs 35b of barrel section 35 as
they engage lip 37c and prevent lever 36 from being removed from
shaft 12b. As lower portion 37 of shaft 12b is inserted through
opening 40 in lever 36, tabs 40a cam lower portion 37 inward, as
slot 37a allows lower portion 37 to flex inwardly, until tabs 40a
snap into groove 37b. Preferably, both opening 40 and lower portion
37 of shaft 12b are correspondingly substantially non-circular,
such that lever 36 cannot rotate relative to shaft 12b. More
preferably, opening 40 and lower shaft portion 37 are substantially
square as shown in FIG. 5.
At a cable end 36b of lever 36, there is located an attaching slot
42 or the like, which may be secured to cable 38. An opposite end
36c of lever 36 may extend from center region 36a and provide an
engaging surface 36d, such as a flattened or notched region, for
engagement with an electrically operable actuating device or
release assist device 84, as discussed below. As shown in FIGS. 4a
and 5, an underside of housing 28 provides for a cavity in which
lever 36 is also substantially encased, again to prevent damage to
the lever and to further prevent accidental activation of the
release mechanism 14.
Cable 38 preferably comprises an inner cable 38a and an outer
sheath 38b through which inner cable 38a may travel. At each end
38c and 38d of inner cable 38a is a pin 44 for engaging a
corresponding slot or other attaching means. Pin 44 on a first end
38c of inner cable 38a is secured to slot 42 on lever 36 while a
pin (not shown) on a second end 38d of inner cable 38a is likewise
secured to a slot (not shown) on release mechanism 14. Outer sheath
38b of cable 38 is secured to housing 28 through a cable opening
28b in one side and to a bracket (not shown) substantially adjacent
release mechanism 14. Movement of first end 38c of inner cable 38a
therefore results in a substantially similar amount of travel of
second end 38d of inner cable 38a, while cable 38 is maintained by
sheath 38b in a predetermined path between housing 28 and release
mechanism 14.
When handle 12a is grasped and pivoted about its pivot axis 22,
lever 36 is correspondingly pivoted about the same axis 22. As
shown in FIG. 5, this results in cable end 36b of lever 36
traveling along an arcuate path which causes a linear travel of
substantially the same distance to occur to first end 38c of inner
cable 38a. As first end 38c travels along the arcuate path, second
end 38d of inner cable likewise is moved a linear distance
substantially equal to the linear travel of first end 38c. Safety
release assembly 10 is designed such that pivoting handle 12a until
handle 12a is approximately at stop 30a in recess 30 results in a
predetermined amount of cable travel in cable 38 so as to activate
release mechanism 14, thereby opening deck lid 16 of vehicle 20.
Preferably, this pivot requirement is less than approximately a
15-degree rotation of handle 12. Although shown and described as
including a lever and cable to activate release mechanism 14,
clearly the present invention may incorporate other mechanical
means for interconnecting the handle 12 to the release mechanism
14, without affecting the scope of the present invention. For
example, end 36b of lever 36 may be directly connected to release
mechanism 14 or to another form of linkage, such as an additional
lever arm or the like.
Preferably, actuating device 84 is operable to ease movement of the
handle and lever to activate the release mechanism and open the
trunk of the vehicle. Actuating device 84 is preferably an
electrically operable pull mechanism, such as a solenoid or a
muscle wire, which is operable to pull (or push or provide other
appropriate motion to) a mechanical linkage or cable mechanism to
actuate the trunk release mechanism 14 in response to an electrical
signal. Actuating device 84 may be operable to assist movement of
the handle as the handle is being moved, or may be operable
independent of movement of the handle, such that actuating device
84 may activate release mechanism 14 in response to an activating
event or to movement of handle 12 or detection of an occupant
within the trunk space, as discussed below. Preferably, actuating
device 84 comprises a solenoid, as shown in FIG. 5, which is
operable to engage the engaging surface 36d of end 36c of lever 36
and to pivot lever 36, and thus handle 12, toward an opening
position to activate the release mechanism, when actuating device
or solenoid 84 is activated. The solenoid or actuating device 84
may be mounted at lever 36 such that solenoid or actuating device
84 is operable to either push or pull the lever arm in order to
activate the release mechanism 14 of the trunk.
Preferably, actuating device 84 is operable to ease movement of the
handle and lever to activate the release mechanism and open the
trunk of the vehicle. Actuating device 84 is preferably an
electrically operable pull mechanism, such as a solenoid or a
muscle wire, which is operable to pull (or push or provide other
appropriate motion to) a mechanical linkage or cable mechanism to
actuate the trunk release mechanism 14 in response to an electrical
signal. Actuating device 84 may be operable to assist movement of
the handle as the handle is being moved, or may be operable
independent of movement of the handle, such that actuating device
84 may activate release mechanism 14 in response to an activating
event or to movement of handle 12 or detection of an occupant
within the trunk space, as discussed below. Preferably, actuating
device 84 comprises a solenoid, as shown in FIG. 5, which is
operable to engage the engaging surface 36d of end 36c of lever 36
and to pivot lever 36, and thus handle 12, toward an opening
position to activate the release mechanism, when actuating device
or solenoid 84 is activated. The solenoid or actuating device 84
may be mounted at lever 36 such that solenoid or actuating device
84 is operable to either push or pull the lever arm in order to
activate the release mechanism 14 of the trunk.
Alternately, the assist device can optionally comprise a compressed
gas source that, upon detection of an occupant trapped in a trunk
compartment and/or upon a trapped occupant touching or pulling a
trunk release handle or element, a gas powered-cylinder can be
actuated to generate the pull needed to release the trunk latch
mechanism and thus release the trunk lid to allow the trapped
occupant to escape. Thus, for example, actuating device 84 can
comprise a gas-operated piston in communication with a compressed
gas (such as air or carbon dioxide) cylinder. For example,
pressurized carbon dioxide can be held in a compact capsule or
cartridge that is readily removable for service replacement after
discharge. When a trapped person contacts a trunk release element,
such as an active trunk release handle and/or a passive detector
(such as a pyro sensor or similar thermal sensor, such as are
disclosed in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/901,929, filed Jul. 27, 1997 by Gimtong
Teowee et al. of Donnelly Corporation entitled PYROELECTRIC
INTRUSION DETECTION IN MOTOR VEHICLES, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,625,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein), indicating that a person is trapped, the gas cylinder is
caused to discharge into the gas-powered piston, which pulls a
cable or the like to release the trunk latch. Since the power used
to release the latch is provided by the compressed gas source, this
can occur even in the complete absence of electric power in the
trunk (such as might be the case in an abandoned vehicle whose
battery has depleted). Therefore, by combining a manually operable
trunk release handle with a compressed gas-actuated assist element,
the mechanical advantage of the handle can be greatly enhanced.
Thus, for example, a trapped child, attracted to a self-luminous
trunk release handle, need only exert sufficient force to open the
valve of the compressed gas cylinder or cartridge to release the
compressed gas to actuate a piston that pulls a cable that releases
the trunk latch.
Alternately, or additionally, the assist device of this present
invention can comprise a mechanical assist device such as a coiled
spring that stores potential energy in a compressed spring member.
Thus, for example, a trapped child, attracted to a trunk release
handle, need only exert sufficient force to displace a mechanical
member, such as a pin or the like, that is holding back a coiled
spring that, when so released, pulls a cable that releases the
trunk latch. Having a trunk release module that includes a manual
release handle and a compressed gas-powered assist device and/or a
mechanical assist device such as a compressed spring member is an
advantage since their successful operation is dependent neither on
presence of electrical power nor on the strength of the trapped
occupant. Therefore, with such non-electrical assist devices, the
only effort required of, for example, a child trapped in a trunk
compartment, is pressing a button or moving a handle or a similar
low-effort user-input action. This low-effort user-input action
serves as a trigger that actuates the assist device (such as
releasing a valve on a compressed gas source or moving a pin to
release a compressed spring that is storing potential energy), and
requires application of minimal force by the user. Once so
triggered, the assist device, be it a gas-assist device or a
spring-assist device, provides the power to generate the force that
pulls the trunk lid release latch to release the trunk lid and so
enable the trapped occupant to escape. Note that the assist device
can be located at, and optionally as part of, the trunk latch
mechanism.
Although safety release assembly 10 is shown and described as
including a handle, lever and cable system, it is further
envisioned that other means of activating a release latch or
mechanism may be implemented. For example, for a vehicle including
an electronically operated latch, the safety release assembly may
include an electromechanical device for signaling or activating the
latch and thus opening the deck lid. The electromechanical device
may be a push button, handle or switch positioned within the trunk
space and electronically interconnected with the latch mechanism,
such that activation or movement of the device energizes a solenoid
within the latch mechanism or otherwise causes the latch mechanism
to release, thereby opening the trunk. The device may be a bright
color and may be easily recognized and operated by a small child in
accordance with the present invention as discussed above.
Preferably, safety release assembly 10 further comprises at least
one illumination source 46 and/or 82 for providing illumination to
handle 12, and an electronic control circuit 48 for at least
temporarily activating the illumination source 46 and/or 82 in
response to at least one activating event, as discussed below. The
illumination source may be a direct source 82 or may be an indirect
source 46 of illumination at handle 12. The illumination provided
by illumination source 46 or 82 allows a person who may be trapped
within trunk space 18 to see handle 12 so as to grasp the handle
and open the trunk, as the trunk space would otherwise be too dark
for a person to see where the handle is located. This is especially
critical when a child is trapped in the trunk, as a child would not
even know to look for such a handle, much less know where the
handle may be positioned within the trunk. Most preferably, the
light emitted by illumination source 46 or 82 will be of low
intensity and a "friendly" color to avoid frightening a child, who
may believe that the handle is hot if it is illuminated by a bright
light or the like.
Preferably, the illumination source comprises a handle illumination
source 82 positioned at or along handle 12, to provide direct
illumination of handle 12. Handle illumination source 82 may
comprise any known lighting source and preferably comprises a light
source which has a minimal or no draw of current from the vehicle
battery or the power source. Alternately, or in addition thereto,
handle illumination source 82 may be provided by handle 12 being
made out of a highly visible and glowing phosphorescent material or
the like. Preferably, handle illumination source 82 comprises a
self-luminous light source, which provides continuous illumination
without a draw of current from a power source and without the need
for periodic exposure to light (such as is the case with
conventional phosphorescent materials which, because they lose
their light emission intensity when stored in the dark without
exposure to a light source to recharge, are not self-luminous light
sources). Self-luminous light sources are preferred over
phosphorescent or fluorescent materials, since self-luminous light
sources do not require light, such as sunlight, to charge. In
contrast to self-luminous light sources, the illumination provided
by phosphorescent and/or fluorescent materials decreases in
intensity the longer the materials remain in a dark or dimly or
sporadically lit area. Because the light source of the present
invention is located within the trunk of a vehicle, there will be
little, if any, ambient light present for prolonged periods of
time. A self-luminous light source is thus preferred, since it
provides substantially constant illumination intensity regardless
of the surrounding lighting conditions. Preferably, the
self-luminous light source is operable to provide light and
intensity of at least approximately 5,000 micro-lamberts. The
self-luminous and self-sufficient light source preferably comprises
a Tritium gas capsule, which requires no light or electricity to
charge and thus provides illumination, via radioactive decay of the
elements, with no draw on the vehicle's battery. Tritium gas
capsules are known and are available in various sizes, shapes, and
colors, such as those commercially available from SRB Technologies
Inc. of Winston-Salem, N.C. The Tritium gas capsules comprise an
isotope of hydrogen which has a long operable life of at least
approximately 12 years. These self-sufficient light sources
comprise low levels of radioactive material, but are safe and have
been approved for various consumer applications. A suitable
self-sustaining light source is available from SRB Technologies Inc
of Winston-Salem, N.C. under the trade name Saunders-Roe
Betalight.RTM., and requires no electrical energy or light exposure
to illuminate.
Preferably, handle illumination source 82 further comprises a back
lit, substantially transparent panel 86, which may further comprise
a symbol or icon 86a, such as a vehicle with a trunk open (FIG. 3)
or an arrow in the direction which the handle should be moved to
open the trunk, or any text or other picture which may convey to a
person within the trunk that movement of the handle will activate
the release mechanism of the trunk. Handle 12 may then comprise a
light recess 12d along its surface 12c. Light recess 12d may be
recessed within a back lit panel recess 12e along surface 12c, such
that the substantially transparent panel 86 is mountable within
recess 12e and substantially encases illumination source 82 within
light recess 12d. Handle illumination source 82 is securable along
and within light recess 12d to provide direct illumination of
handle 12 from within handle 12. Although shown and described as
being positioned along handle 12, an indirect light source may be
positioned elsewhere at safety release assembly 10 or elsewhere
within trunk space 18 to provide an indirect illumination of handle
12 when the trunk is closed, without affecting the scope of the
present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 4a and 5, illumination source 46 may alternately
(or additionally) be located on a circuit board or chip 50
containing control 48, and may be substantially encased along with
control 48 within housing 28 in order to prevent damage to
illumination source 46 or control 48 by items stored within the
trunk. Illumination source 46 may project light through at least
one slot or opening 52 in a side wall 30b of recess 30 such that
illumination source 46 is directed toward handle portion 12a of
handle 12. Handle portion 12a may also be twisted or angled such
that the facing surface 12c of handle portion 12a is angled toward
illumination source 46 in order to receive and reflect illumination
from illumination source 46 over a greater surface area. A
removable access panel 28c (FIG. 2) may also be included on housing
28 to provide for easy access for installation and maintenance of
both control circuit 48 and illumination source 46 within a cavity
28d formed by housing 28. Preferably, control circuit 48 is snap
fit onto an interior side 30c of sidewall 30b such that
illumination source 46 is aligned with slot 52. Control circuit 48
further includes a wiring harness and connector 60 for connecting
control circuit 48 to a power source (not shown) located on vehicle
20, such as the vehicle battery or the like.
Illumination source 46 is thus provided to illuminate handle 12
when the deck lid of 16 of vehicle 20 is closed, since the trunk
space 18 becomes very dark when fully enclosed. Illumination source
46 may comprise a self luminous light source or may comprise at
least one light emitting diode (LED) or other non-incandescent
illumination source (such as organic or inorganic
electroluminescent sources, phosphorescent sources, etc.), since
these types of illumination sources eliminate or minimize the drain
on the vehicle battery when they are activated, as well as being
highly durable and long-lasting. The light sources may be selected
to provide illumination in a preferred color, such as green or
yellow, and may be selected to draw a minimal amount of current
from the vehicle battery or the like. Preferably, an LED is
selected which draws less than about 45 milliamps when activated,
and more preferably, the LED draws less than or equal to about 30
milliamps when activated. Such LEDs are commercially available,
examples being a Hyper-Bright LED manufactured by Siemens or other
LEDs manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. Most preferably, illumination
source 46 comprises at least two LEDs, so that if one fails for
some unforeseen reason, there is still at least one additional LED
providing illumination to handle 12. Although illumination source
46 is shown and described as an LED or the like, clearly other
illumination sources may be provided in varying locations within
the trunk without affecting the scope of the present invention.
Additionally, illumination source 46 may be an incandescent source,
such as a filament lamp, a halogen lamp, a neon lamp, or the like.
Illumination source 46 may also serve as the standard trunk light,
which is normally activated when the trunk or deck lid is opened,
thereby providing light to the entire trunk space when the trunk is
closed.
If illumination source 46 and/or 82 comprises a self-luminous light
source, then the illumination source is thus continuously activated
or luminescent. Alternately, however, control 48 may be operable to
activate illumination source 46 or handle illumination source 82
upon an occurrence of an activating event. The activating event may
be the closing of deck lid 16 and/or the closing or folding back of
any fold-down rear seats which may be present in vehicle 20. For
example, as shown in FIG. 6, vehicle 20 may include a trunk closure
sensor 54 and/or a seat sensor 56 to provide a signal to control
circuit 48 when the trunk is closed or the seats are folded to
their upright position, thereby enclosing trunk space 18.
Preferably, control circuit 48 also functions to deactivate
illumination source 46 after a period of time following the
activating event. For example, control circuit 48 may include a
timer or other timing mechanism 58 which triggers deactivation of
illumination source 46 after a predetermined period of time, such
as thirty minutes or an hour, has elapsed following the initial
activation of illumination source 46. Control circuit 48 continues
to reset and reactivate illumination source 46 upon subsequent
occurrences of one or more activating events, following
deactivation of illumination source 46 after the predetermined
period of time has elapsed.
Referring now to FIG. 6, control circuit 48 may also activate
illumination source 46 and/or 82 in response to additional
activating events, such as an ignition switch 62 of vehicle 20
being activated, a door sensor 64 signaling that a door of vehicle
20 is being opened or closed or other functions of vehicle 20 which
pertain to the entering or leaving of vehicle 20 or movement of the
vehicle. Safety release assembly 10 may further include one or more
occupant sensors 65, such as a motion detector or sensor 66 (such
as a pyro detector, and preferably a low current pyro detector as
are disclosed in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/901,929, filed Jul. 27,1997 by Gimtong
Teowee et al. of Donnelly Corporation entitled PYROELECTRIC
INTRUSION DETECTION IN MOTOR VEHICLES, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,625)
and/or a temperature sensor 68, such as a bolometer, within trunk
space 18, so as to provide a signal to control circuit 48 when a
movement or predetermined temperature of an object in trunk space
18 is detected. The occupant sensor 65 may be of the type disclosed
in commonly assigned, U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/484,754,
filed Jan. 18, 2000 by McCarthy et al. for COMPARTMENT SENSING
SYSTEM, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Safety release assembly 10 may also comprise a handle
sensor 70 which detects contact with or movement of handle 12 to
provide an additional signal to control circuit 48. Handle sensor
70 may be a push button or a motion detector at handle 12, or may
be a touch pad at a surface of handle 12, which senses contact of
handle 12. The touch pad may be temperature sensitive, so as to be
capable of discriminating between the touch of a person and contact
of the handle by an item stored within trunk space 18. The touch
pad or soft touch surface of handle 12 may detect and discriminate
human touch from other items via capacitive, resistive or inductive
activation and control 48 may then activate the illumination source
46 and/or 82 and/or the actuating or assist device 84 in response
to such discrimination.
Preferably, the trunk occupancy detection sensor or sensors are
passive sensors which substantially continuously monitor the trunk
space or handle when the deck lid is closed. Control circuit 48 may
then, in response to a signal from the motion detector 66, the
temperature sensor 68, or the handle sensor 70, activate
illumination source 46 and/or 82 to provide illumination of handle
12 in trunk space 18 or may activate assist or actuating device 84.
Furthermore, in response to such signals, which convey a message
that a person or animal may be entrapped within trunk space 18,
control circuit 48 may activate other additional auxiliary signals
or displays. For example, control circuit 48 may activate an alarm
72, a horn 74, an auxiliary light 76 elsewhere on vehicle 20, a
door or trunk lock or lock release system 78 of vehicle 20, an
auxiliary message display 80, which may be within vehicle 20 or
remote from the vehicle, or the like, in order to provide an
operator or anyone else within the vicinity of vehicle 20
information pertaining to a person or animal being entrapped within
the trunk space 18 of the vehicle. The alarm 72, auxiliary light
76, horn 74, message display 80, lock or lock release system 78 or
the like may be activated upon a first detection of motion or
temperature within trunk space 18, or may alternatively be
activated upon a second, third, or fourth occurrence of such
detections. The number of detections required prior to an alarm or
the like being activated by control circuit 48 are preferably reset
following an opening and closing of deck lid 16 or a folding down
of a rear seat within vehicle 20, if applicable. It is further
envisioned that control 48 may activate a voice chip and speaker,
in order to convey a voice message which provides instructions as
to how to open the trunk, in response to detection of an occupant
therein.
Preferably, illumination source 82 is self-luminous and thus
continuously luminescent, and control 48 is operable to activate
actuating or assist device 84 in response to occupant sensors 65.
As discussed above, the control 48 may further activate an alarm,
horn, an auxiliary light, an auxiliary message display or the like
in response to such a detection. The passive occupancy detection
sensors and the control 48 are thus operable as a "smart release"
system, which is operable to activate the release mechanism 14 of
the deck lid 16 when a person or animal is sensed or detected
within the trunk. The control 48 may further function to first
determine whether or not the vehicle is moving prior to activating
assist device or actuating device 84, in order to prevent opening
the trunk while the vehicle is being driven down the road. The
control may thus be interconnected to other vehicle sensors, such
as the ignition, a wheel speed sensor, or the like to determine the
status of the vehicle prior to opening the trunk. If the trunk
release mechanism 14 is an electrical release, the mechanism is
typically locked out or inoperable when the vehicle ignition is on.
The control 48 may be otherwise operable to initially activate
illumination source 46 and/or 82 upon a first activating event, as
discussed above, and delay activation of actuating or assist device
84 until the smart release occupant sensors confirm that an
occupant is within the trunk space of the vehicle. For example,
control 48 may delay actuation of actuating or assist device 84
until two or more movements are detected within the trunk space or
until a threshold temperature is measured over a prolonged period
of time. However, control 48 may also be operable to activate
actuating or assist device 84 in response to a first touch or
movement of handle 12. In vehicles that already comprise an
electrical trunk latch/release mechanism, the electrical release
mechanism may be electrically actuated to automatically open the
trunk in response to any movement of handle 12 and/or the occupant
detection sensors 65. The electrical release mechanism may thus be
operable to assist in the opening of the trunk with handle 12 or to
automatically open the trunk independent of further movement of
handle 12.
When installed in the vehicle, the present invention therefore
provides for illumination source 46 and/or 82 to be continuously on
or activated for a period of time following closure of the trunk
and/or a folding of rear seats of vehicle 20. While the
illumination source 46 and/or 82 is activated, a child or other
person who may be entrapped within trunk space 18 will be able to
easily see and identify handle 12. Because it is difficult for a
person to move about within the small trunk space of a typical
vehicle, and because typically it is a very small child that may be
entrapped therein, the present invention also provides a handle 12
which is very easily pivoted about its axis so as to open deck lid
16 of vehicle 20. Preferably, handle 12, lever 36 and cable 38
cooperate to allow release mechanism 14 of deck lid 16 to be opened
with only a minimal amount of force being applied to handle portion
12a. The force required to pivot handle 12 about its pivot axis 22,
thereby activating release mechanism 14 of deck lid 16, is
preferably less than or equal to about 20 Newtons applied in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the handle portion 12a.
More preferably, the force required to open deck lid 16 is less
than or equal to about 15 Newtons and most preferably, the force
required is less than or equal to about 10 Newtons. Furthermore,
activation of actuating or assist device 84 further increases the
mechanical advantage of the system, such that an even lesser or
little to essentially no force is required to pivot the handle and
open the trunk. A person who is trapped within trunk space 18, upon
identifying the handle 12 as a means in which to open the trunk of
the vehicle, merely grasps the handle and easily pivots the handle,
which subsequently activates release mechanism 14 of vehicle 20 as
discussed above. Once release mechanism 14 is activated, the trunk
lid may be easily pushed open so as to allow the person to get out
of the trunk.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an active/passive trunk release system 100
is operable to actively and passively monitor the trunk space of a
vehicle. The system is connected to and includes trunk release
mechanism 14, which may be a conventional mechanical release
mechanism or may be an electrically operable release mechanism.
Trunk release system 100 comprises a trunk release module 110 which
is operable to actuate release mechanism 14 in response to
detection of an occupant within the trunk space, as discussed
below. Preferably, release module 110 is a unitary, substantially
enclosed module, which may be manufactured remotely from a vehicle
assembly plant and purchased by a vehicle manufacturer and then
readily installed in the trunk of a vehicle during manufacture of
the vehicle. Alternately, the release module 110 may be readily
installed in the trunk of a vehicle as an aftermarket device,
without affecting the scope of the present invention. Release
module 110 is a self contained, electrically operable unit which
needs only to be electrically connected to a power source, such as
a vehicle battery, and mechanically or electrically (depending on
the vehicle application) connected to the trunk release mechanism
14. Release module 110 may be adapted for implementation with a
mechanical or electromechanical trunk release mechanisms which may
or may not be designed for electrical actuation.
Trunk release module 110 comprises an actuating device 184, which
is preferably substantially similar to actuating device 84,
discussed above, and a control 148, which is operable to actuate
actuating device 184 in response to an electronic signal. Release
module 110 further includes at least one of an active manual input
device 112 and/or a passive occupancy detection sensor system or
device 165. Actuating device 184 is preferably then operable to
actuate, or assist in actuating, release mechanism 14 in response
to input device 112. Preferably, actuating device 184 is an
electrically operable tensile or pulling mechanism, such as a
solenoid or a muscle wire, which provides mechanical assistance to
the input device 112 in actuating release mechanism 14 via a cable
or linkage 138. Cable or link 138 may be any mechanical linkage
between release module 110 and release mechanism 14, such that
manual actuation of input device 112 and/or electrical actuation of
actuating device 184 (via activation of input device 112 and/or
detection of an occupant by occupancy detection system 165
discussed below) causes link 138 to pull on release mechanism 14 to
release the deck lid. It is further envisioned that link 138 may
otherwise be an electrical signal to an electrically operable trunk
release mechanism. The assistance by actuating device 184 may thus
greatly increase the mechanical advantage of a handle or the like
in opening the trunk of a vehicle. Preferably, control 148 is
operable to detect activation of input device 112 and trigger
actuating device 184 accordingly.
Active input device 112 is operable to activate trunk release
mechanism 14 via linkage or cable 138, in response to a human
signal or input. For example, input device 112 may comprise a
handle mechanism similar to handle 12 discussed above, where the
input may be a contact or turning or rotating of the handle.
Alternately, input device 112 may comprise a button, touch panel,
or the like, where input device 112 activates the release mechanism
14 in response to input device 112 being touched, depressed, moved,
or the like. It is further envisioned that input device 112 may
even comprise a microphone system which receives a human voice
message from an occupant of the trunk and activates the release
mechanism 14 in response thereto. Input device 112 thus is operable
to actuate release mechanism 14 in response to any active contact
or voice message by an occupant of the trunk space of the
vehicle.
Release module 110 may alternately, or additionally, include
occupancy detection system 165, which is passively operable to
detect a presence of a person or animal within the trunk of the
vehicle. Occupancy detection system 165 is preferably similar to
detection sensors 65 discussed above, and comprises a thermal
sensor, such as a pyro detector, and/or a motion detector. The
sensor or sensors are preferably operable to continuously monitor
the trunk space of the vehicle. If an occupant is detected,
actuating device 184 is then actuated to automatically actuate
release mechanism 14 to open the trunk of the vehicle. As discussed
above with respect to actuating device 84, actuating device 184 may
be operable to actuate release mechanism 14 only after it is
determined that the vehicle is not moving. It is further envisioned
that the occupancy detection system may be operable in a sentinel
mode, whereby the sensors monitor the compartment and control 148
is operable to activate an illumination source or an audio device,
such as a voice chip, to issue exit instructions, in response to an
initial detection of an occupant. Upon further confirming detection
of an occupant and/or in response to subsequent input to manual
input device 112, actuating device 184 may then function to
activate release mechanism 14.
As shown in FIG. 7, trunk release module 110 may further include an
illumination source 182 to provide illumination of the trunk space
or at least of the input device 112. Illumination source 182 is
preferably self-luminous such that it provides continuous
illumination of the trunk space. However, illumination source 182
may otherwise be any other form of light source, such as an LED or
incandescent bulb, and may be actuable via control 148 in response
to an activating event or detection of an occupant within the trunk
space, as discussed above. Preferably, illumination source 182
includes one or more light-emitting light sources, such as
solid-state light emitting diodes (LED), available from numerous
sources. Various colors of LED can be used (or combined) such as
blue, white, orange, yellow, red, amber and red-orange.
Alternatively, an illumination source may be supplied as a
conventional incandescent light source, a halogen light source, a
fluorescent light source such as a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light
pipe such as fiber-optic bundle forming a light pipe, and the like.
Most preferably, illumination is achieved using non-incandescent
light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light
emitting material, electroluminescent sources (both organic and
inorganic), and the like, and most preferably such non-incandescent
sources are low power and are directed sources, such as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and copending U.S. Pat. Application
entitled INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE INCORPORATING A
SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE, Ser. No. 09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,172, which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties, and such as is disclosed in
co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/466,010, filed Dec. 17, 1999, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein, and in co-pending and
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/449,121,
filed Nov. 24, 1999 by Barry W. Hutzel et al. of Donnelly
Corporation, and entitled REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH UTILITY
FUNCTIONS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
Accordingly, trunk release module 110 provides a self-contained
module for opening the trunk of a vehicle from within the trunk
space. The actuating device may be operable to assist an input
device, such as a handle, button, or touch panel in opening the
deck lid, and/or may be operable to automatically open the deck lid
in response to detection of an occupant within the trunk space. The
module is especially adapted for vehicles where the trunk release
mechanism is not electrically powered, whereby a cable or other
mechanical linkage is movable, via pushing or pulling at a remote
end, to release the deck lid. However, the present invention is
equally applicable to electrically actuable trunk release
mechanisms.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides for a
module, which comprises a handle, sensors, and/or illumination
source, a control, and a housing similar to those discussed above,
and further optionally includes a license plate holder and lock
cylinder for the deck lid, which are positioned on an exterior
surface of the deck lid. This embodiment may also optionally
include an exterior handle such that the trunk may be opened from
outside the vehicle without having to insert a key within the lock
cylinder or otherwise enter the vehicle to release a trunk release
lever from within the vehicle. The module is installed through an
opening in the trunk lid and preferably includes a lock cylinder
and release mechanism for opening the trunk. The module preferably
further comprises at least one of an illumination source, which is
operable to illuminate the handle, and a release assist device,
which is operable to assist an occupant of the trunk in opening the
trunk or to automatically open the trunk in response to a smart
release sensor system.
Therefore, the present invention provides a safety release
apparatus for opening a deck lid or trunk of a vehicle from within
the trunk space. The apparatus of the present invention is easy to
install in the vehicle, and is easily recognizable and operable by
a small child that may become trapped within the trunk of the
vehicle. The color and intensity of the handles and illumination
are selected to convey a friendly, non-hot appearance to the
handle, such that a child will easily see the handle and not be
afraid to grasp the handle in order to open the trunk. Furthermore,
the control circuit of the present invention is operable to
activate the illumination source or other auxiliary signal in
response to an activating event and to deactivate the illumination
source after a period of time in order to minimize the overall
drain on the vehicle battery. The illumination source is also
selected to comprise a non-incandescent device, such as an LED or
the like, which is highly durable and long lasting, yet requires a
minimal amount of energy from the battery of the vehicle, even
while it is activated. Alternately, the illumination source may
comprise a self-luminous light source, which is operable to
continuously illuminate the handle while requiring no current drawn
from the battery or power source (which typically is the vehicle
battery, although optionally, a separate, auxiliary battery can be
provided). Accordingly, even if power is lost to the vehicle, the
self luminous illumination source remains operable to illuminate
the handle. Alternately, or in addition thereto, the color of the
handle may be selected to be a light or bright color, which starkly
contrasts the background on which the handle is installed, so as to
remain visible in very low light conditions and/or when power is
lost.
Although the control circuit of the present invention requires
connection to an electrical power source in order to detect an
occupant within the trunk space or to actuate the release assist
device, and/or to provide illumination to the handle, preferably no
electrical power is required to operate the handle and thus release
the release mechanism in order to open the trunk of the vehicle.
Preferably, the handle, lever, cable and release mechanism are all
mechanical devices, and may override the assist device such that
the trunk may be opened even when there is a power loss to the
vehicle itself. Preferably, the present invention provides a
substantially self contained release module which may be installed
within the trunk space of a vehicle and connected to the existing
trunk release mechanism or latch. The module is operable to provide
assistance to the handle in releasing the deck lid or to
independently release the deck lid in response to a detection of an
occupant within the trunk compartment.
Providing a trunk release module that includes an assist device
that may be electrically powered and/or that is gas or spring
powered has many advantages, particularly when the components of
the module (that can include an active manually-operable trunk
release element such as a handle, touch surface or button, and/or a
passive, occupant sensing element, such as a thermal sensor
assembly that thermally detects body motion in the trunk, and/or an
assist device, whether electrically operable such as a solenoid or
gas operable such as a gas-operated piston, and/or a coupling/cable
connecting to the trunk latch mechanism) are housed together in a
unitary module assembly. Thus, an automotive supplier can supply
such a unitary module (with the various components assembled
together and with the module substantially sealed against
contamination from the outside environment such as by rain, dust,
dirt and the like) to an automaker to fit into new vehicles being
assembled on a new vehicle assembly line, or can supply to the
aftermarket as a retrofit for an existing fleet of vehicles.
Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments
can be carried out without departing from the principles of the
invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the
appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of
patent law.
* * * * *
References